Exploring Windows 11’s New Video Wallpaper Feature: Use .mp4 Files as Desktop Backgrounds

Windows 11 Introduces Native Video Wallpaper Feature

Windows 11 users can now enhance their desktop experience by setting video formats such as.mp4 as their wallpaper. This exciting new feature is expected to roll out with the Windows 11 24H2 or 25H2 updates, allowing videos to play automatically in a continuous loop.

Comparison with Third-Party Applications

While the new functionality bears resemblance to the popular third-party app, Wallpaper Engine, which enables users to apply videos as desktop backgrounds, Microsoft’s integrated solution promises a more straightforward approach. The native implementation is designed to be intuitive, targeting a broader audience of users.

Availability and Requirements

The video wallpaper feature has been leaked as part of upcoming optional updates for Windows 11, with expectations for it to make its debut in preview channels by late October. Sources suggest that users running Windows 11 Build 26220 or newer will eventually gain access to this feature, as highlighted by Phantom on X.

How to Set a Video as Your Desktop Background

To utilize the new video wallpaper option, navigate to Settings > Personalization > Background. As of now, it appears Microsoft has yet to update the Personalization settings page to reflect the availability of videos as a background choice, likely due to it being an unannounced feature.

When selecting “browse photos, ”users will encounter video file formats in addition to standard images. Supported formats include:

.mp4
.m4v
.mov
.wmv
.avi
.mkv
.webm

The current selection of supported video file formats is unlikely to expand significantly, as these are commonly used for video streaming.

Performance Insights

In a recent test, I successfully set an.mp4 clip of the Windows Bloom animation as my desktop background. After restarting explorer.exe, the Bloom video played seamlessly in the background, continuing its looped playback even while utilizing other applications or accessing the Start menu. Notably, I did not observe any considerable increase in power consumption, indicating that Microsoft may have optimized video rendering for desktop use.

It is important to note that Microsoft has placed restrictions on using large or long videos as desktop backgrounds, likely to preserve system performance.

A Nod to Windows Vista’s DreamScene

This new feature marks a revival of the “DreamScene”functionality from Windows Vista, which also enabled users to apply video-based wallpapers via the Desktop Window Manager (DWM).Unlike third-party solutions that utilize DirectX for rendering, Windows 11’s implementation seems to leverage the same Desktop Window Manager. This could imply that while the native feature may offer less versatility than third-party apps, it also aims at conserving resources and power.

Although video wallpapers in Windows 11 will not be interactive, this limitation should help optimize power consumption and system resources, making it an appealing option for users looking to personalize their desktop experience without compromising performance.

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